LOVEWELL PLANS CENTENNIAL, FREE PARK ENTRANCE WEEKEND

WEBBER -- In conjunction with the celebration of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks' 100th anniversary, Lovewell State Park has scheduled its Free Park Entrance Weekend for Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 17-18 . For those two days, vehicle permits are not required to enter Lovewell State Park, near Webber. Park users who plan to camp overnight in the state park will still have to purchase a camping permit at the park office or a self-pay station.

Events planned for the celebration are the annual Bowhunter Education Course and a Chili Cookoff Contest.

The Bowhunter Education Course will be held on Saturday, Sept. 17 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pre-registration is requested by Sept. 12. The class is limited to 40 students, and priority will be given to those 13-year-old and younger because big game regulations allow this age group to bowhunt only if they have successfully completed a bowhunter education course. For a small donation, lunch will be provided at noon. To register, or for more information, contact the Lovewell State Park office at (785) 753-4971.

On Sunday, Sept. 18, park staff will initiate the first Annual Chili Cookoff Contest. Pre-registration for this event is recommended by Thursday, Sept. 16, and is mandatory by 9 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 18. Taste-testing will begin at 1 p.m. A $2 entry fee is required and will be used for prizes at Lovewell State Park’s many special events throughout the year. Prizes will be awarded to the 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-place chili entries. All participants will be eligible for prizes by drawing.

For more details, phone the Lovewell State Park Office at 785-753-4971. -30-